Things Brittany Kress loves

Wednesday

Brittany Kress has written for Alive for three years, covering shopping, fashion, beauty and wine.

Brittany Kress has written for Alive for three years, covering shopping, fashion, beauty and wine.

Madewell

J. Crew's cousin is coming to Columbus. Madewell, a ladies-only spinoff, is a spitting image of the iconic brand's rough-and-ready take on preppy, and a store location (there are just a handful in the U.S.) is expected to open at Easton Town Center in October. In the meantime, online shopping just launched at madewell.com.

Tiny things

I have an unexplained attraction to scaled-down versions of things - mini cupcakes, baby shoes, pony kegs. You can bet I'll be checking out Junctionview's upcoming "Biggie Smalls 2" show, an exhibit featuring both massive and tiny works of art. Check it out July 10, and you'll find this 6-inch-by-6-inch piece by Dan Gerdeman.

Aussie Instant Freeze sculpting gel

It's my styling product of choice for the scrunch-n-go days of summer.

Frank Fetch Park

This German Village plot, just down the street from Lindey's, is in full bloom. I don't live far, so when I need a breather, I take a walk here. Bring a book or a friend, have a seat on one of the benches or picnic tables, and take in the glorious sights and scents.

Sweet corn

This weekend marks the official return of the summer corn crop. Sure, it's been in grocery stores for a few months now, but I'm talking about the good, Ohio-grown stuff, waiting in piles at markets and roadside stands. I prefer mine with just a touch of butter and pepper.